A skier is someone who glides down snowy slopes on skis, which are long, narrow pieces of equipment attached to special boots. Skiers use poles to help with balance and steering as they carve turns down mountains or glide across flat terrain.

Skiing comes in different forms. Downhill skiers race down steep mountain slopes, leaning into turns and feeling the rush of speed and cold air. Cross-country skiers travel across relatively flat or gently rolling snow-covered ground, getting exercise while enjoying winter scenery. Some skiers compete in races or perform tricks and jumps, while others ski purely for the joy of being outdoors in winter.

Learning to ski takes practice and courage. Beginning skiers often feel wobbly at first, learning to balance on slippery snow while managing equipment that feels awkward and unfamiliar. But with time, skiing becomes almost automatic, like riding a bike. Expert skiers make it look effortless as they navigate difficult terrain, but they all started as beginners who had to learn how to stop without crashing.

People have been skiing for thousands of years. Ancient peoples in Scandinavia and Russia used skis as practical transportation through deep snow, long before anyone thought of skiing as a sport or recreation.